Selenium and Cognitive Function

Cognitive function is the term used to describe a person's state of consciousness (alertness and orientation), memory, and attention span. A mental status examination (MSE) is a standard test used by healthcare professionals to measure a patient's overall mental health. Evaluating a patient's cognitive function includes, first of all, measuring their level of alertness and orientation.

Causes of decreased cognitive function with dementias, happen because of a lack of proper nutrition in the diet. A lack of thiamine (vitamin B1) is known to cause Wernicke's encephalopathy (a condition of memory loss and other symptoms due to vitamin B1 loss from alcoholism). Such a patient has malnutrition, confusion, ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), and diplopia (double vision). A severe lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, or omega 3 fatty acids may cause dementia due to damage to nerve fibers in the brain. A lack of vitamin B3 (niacin), which causes the disease pellagra, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may cause spastic paraparesis (a type of paralysis), peripheral neuropathy (a condition affecting the nervous system), fatigue, irritability, and dementia. This syndrome has been seen in prisoner-of-war (POW) camps.

As stated in a recent study, oxidative stress is also a factor for cognitive impairment. This study examined potential dropping selenium levels and its effects on cognition in the elderly. Selenium is an antioxidant which may protect against oxidative stress. Participants included 1,389 French, aged 60 to 71 years of age. This study began in 1991 to 1993, and had a 9 year follow-up. Cognition was measured using neuropsychologic tests. The results showed that cognitive impairment was associated with decreasing plasma selenium levels. Researchers also found that lower the level of selenium, the higher the level of cognitive decline. The authors concluded that “Selenium status decreases with age and may contribute to declines in neuropsychologic functions among aging people.

Source: content.nhiondemand.com